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Thursday, August 26, 2010

{DIY} No-Sew Table Runner

Apparently I skipped sewing day in Home Ec (doesn't that class sound so antiquated now?!). And my mom wasn't exactly Sally Sewer, so that's just not a skill I've ever picked up. Which is probably just as well, I can only imagine how many throw pillows I'd have!

I love to DIY....it's fun, a creative outlet, let's me decide things at my own pace, provides a sense of accomplishment...lots of reasons. I don't like to tell someone else my vision and have them carry it out for me. Which is exactly the case for any project that involves sewing!

BUT, in a lot of projects, you can get around that little hurdle....it's called Stitch Witchery (or iron-on hem tape)! You remember my {Designer Crush} Erinn Valencich?

I'll walk you through my steps, but refer to her guide to find out how much fabric and ribbon you'll need for your particular length table.

My breakfast table is fairly small, so I opted to make a runner for it first.

I like the Pier 1 runner on it now, but thought it'd be fun to pick up an existing pattern from the kitchen to connect the rooms. Remember this fabric I used to {Pizz-Azz} my glass kitchen cabinets?

Here's what you need for your no-sew runner:

Fabric, hem tape, ribbon and iron.

First decide how wide and long you want your runner. I opted for 12" wide, and since the fabric was 46" wide, I decided to make my runner double-sided (being able to flip to the good side is imperative in my house!) So I cut the fabric 24" wide, folded it over and ironed the whole thing, making sure to get a sharp edge on the fold line.

I used some spray adhesive between the layers of the folded fabric so it would lay nice and flat. You need to finish out the edges (since we're not sewing an actual hem), and this is where the ribbon comes in. Make sure the edges are aligning properly and the whole thing is smooth from wrinkles and bubbles. I chose double-sided binding as my ribbon because it comes pre-folded (yay for shortcuts!):

Working in small sections, lay your runner at the seam of the binding and run the hem tape between the fabric and ribbon.

Press your iron firmly and slowing over the section until it adheres.

Work your way down one side (you'll do the back later, so don't worry about it yet), then the other. Then do each end, paying close attention to getting a clean cut at the corners.

Then flip it over and do the same thing to the back. This side will go quickly since the ribbon is already attached to the runner.

I didn't make my runner very long because Mr. Sugarplum is finicky about it hanging in his lap. (If he had his way, every surface in our house would be cleared!)

My fabric was fairly heavy to start with, so it has a nice weight when doubled and doesn't slip around the table.

If you have a keen eye, you noticed a Windsor chair at the table in one picture. I'm not a fan of matchy-matchy table/chair sets...so I'm playing with mixing it up with some newly inherited chairs.

I made the table runner on a rainy Sunday afternoon...and the whole project only took an hour or two (there were some snack breaks and TV distractions, so I can't be sure.)

Stitch Witchery is some good stuff...what have you used it for? Will it hold if I throw this runner in the washing machine?

33 comments:

Just love it! I finally bought a sewing machine this year (a Brother CS6000 which I highly recommend), but I have managed to make curtains around my house and some Halloween costumes with just the iron on adhesive. The Stitch Witchery is supposed to hold up in the washing machine, but the items that I have washed a few times the adhesive is letting go a little. You just have to cut little pieces and mend the areas that it might come loose. Also, maybe washing it on delicate might help out.

OMG! I am a DIY Sewer and it never - ever crossed my mind that I could take such short cuts! Wow - you rock! I would have done this the hard way and it would never have turned out nearly as nice as yours. Beautifully done :)

You are my kind of gal. I don't sew either...although I just got a hand me down sewing machine that I didn't know my Mom owned...because she never used it. My husband taught me how to iron my clothes and he sew's the buttons. My glue of choice thus far is fabri tac though...I'll have to give yours a shot! Great job on the runner, it looks awesome!

What a great project and I love it. Just came across your blog and am impressed with all your talent. I would love to know where you got your fabric or if you know the name of the designer. amy@sagecommunities.com Thanks so much!!!

I love this!!! I almost used that same fabric for a seat bench I just made. I'm still second-guessing the fabric I ended up with but I keep reminding myself I can always change it! p.s. your home is just gorgeous!! off to look at more . . .

Love that! Those are my fave colors too: blue and brown. You've inspired me. I have a VERY long dining room table and the table runners that will span it are mucho $, so I'm all over this. Thanks for the great tutorial!

Just found your blog and I LOVE it! I am definitely NOT a sewer but I sooo love picking out fabric. I'm thrilled to find ideas for things I can do instead of sew. Love the runner! I'll be following you. Thanks! :)